DNR seeks comment on water standard changes

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri environmental officials are seeking public comment on possible changes in water quality standards on the state’s rivers and streams.

The Department of Natural Resources has posted a report on its website examining the likely effects of proposed changes. That’s the first step in the process of setting administrative rules on environmental standards.

The report addresses environmental benefits and economic costs tied with the proposed changes.

For example, it reviews the effect of designating thousands of miles of currently unclassified waters as “fishable” or “swimmable.”

The possible changes also stem from a 2009 decision by federal regulators that new standards are needed for a nearly 29-mile stretch of the Mississippi River near St. Louis.